Since 1960, the average U.S. life span has increased to 77.5 from roughly 70 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But "health spans" are simultaneously shrinking. As a result, there's a "widening gap" between one's life and health spans, she said. How health impacts wealthFatcamera | E+ | Getty ImagesOf course, this isn't to say healthy people avoid significant medical expenses. Prioritize the spending on your health and, if it feels like too much money, try to cut back on spending that "doesn't increase your health span," she said.

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Persons: Momo, Susan Roberts, Roberts, McClanahan, Francis Organizations: Getty, Centers for Disease Control, Dartmouth College, Planning Partners, Invest Locations: U.S